U.S. patent number 10,836,545 [Application Number 16/327,018] was granted by the patent office on 2020-11-17 for internet-connected storage container and system and method of dispensing articles.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Carnegie Mellon University. The grantee listed for this patent is Carnegie Mellon University. Invention is credited to Daragh Joseph Byrne, Jonathan Cagan, Shraddha Premjibhai Joshi, Stephen Van Marter Krotseng.
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United States Patent |
10,836,545 |
Byrne , et al. |
November 17, 2020 |
Internet-connected storage container and system and method of
dispensing articles
Abstract
Provided is a storage container including a base and a cartridge
container attachable to the base. The cartridge container defines a
plurality of internal chambers and includes a plurality of
individually operable doors, each of the plurality of doors
corresponding to one of the internal chambers. The storage
container further includes a plurality of individually addressable
actuators disposed in at least one of the base and the cartridge
container, each of the plurality of actuators corresponding to one
of the doors. A microprocessor is programmed or configured to
receive at least one instruction from a server computer, and
transmit a command, based on the at least one instruction, to
actuate one of the plurality of actuators. Actuating one of the
plurality of actuators causes the corresponding door to move from a
closed position to an opened position. Systems and methods are
provided for remote and immediate dispensing of articles.
Inventors: |
Byrne; Daragh Joseph
(Pittsburgh, PA), Cagan; Jonathan (Pittsburgh, PA),
Krotseng; Stephen Van Marter (Chicago, IL), Joshi; Shraddha
Premjibhai (Pittsburgh, PA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Carnegie Mellon University |
Pittsburgh |
PA |
US |
|
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Assignee: |
Carnegie Mellon University
(Pittsburgh, PA)
|
Family
ID: |
61245232 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/327,018 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2017 |
PCT
Filed: |
August 22, 2017 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/US2017/047957 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
February 21, 2019 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2018/039196 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
March 01, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190210772 A1 |
Jul 11, 2019 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62494847 |
Aug 22, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W
4/80 (20180201); E05B 47/0002 (20130101); B65D
25/04 (20130101); B65D 43/26 (20130101); E05G
1/005 (20130101); E05G 1/08 (20130101); B65D
43/267 (20130101); H04L 67/12 (20130101); E05Y
2900/602 (20130101); B65D 2543/00166 (20130101); E05B
2047/0094 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
43/26 (20060101); E05G 1/08 (20060101); E05G
1/00 (20060101); H04W 4/80 (20180101); B65D
25/04 (20060101); E05B 47/00 (20060101); H04L
29/08 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;235/382,492 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
Machine Translation--Yamamoto, Hiroya, "Delivery container, and
locking/unlocking control system for delivery container", (2006),
32 pages (Year: 2006). cited by examiner .
Brave et al., "inTouch: A Medium for Haptic Interpersonal
Communication", CHI '97 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in
Computing Systems, 1997, pp. 363-364, ACM, New York, NY. cited by
applicant .
Chang et al., "LumiTouch: an emotional communication device", CHI
'01 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2001,
pp. 313-314, ACM, New York, NY. cited by applicant .
Chang et al., "ComTouch: Design of a Vibrotactile Communication
Device", Proceedings of the 4th Conference on Designing Interactive
Systems: Processes, Practices, Methods, and Techniques (DIS '02),
2002, pp. 312-320, ACM, New York, NY. cited by applicant .
Lee et al., "Lover's Cups: Drinking Interfaces as New Communication
Channels", CHI '06 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing
Systems, 2006, pp. 375-380, ACM, New York, NY. cited by applicant
.
Reed et al., "Imagining the Future: Thoughts on Computing",
Computer, 2012, pp. 25-30, vol. 45, No. 1. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Savusdiphol; Paultep
Attorney, Agent or Firm: The Webb Law Firm
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is the United States national phase of
International Application No. PCT/US2017/047957 filed Aug. 22,
2017, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/494,847, filed Aug. 22, 2016, which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A storage container comprising: a cartridge container defining a
plurality of internal chambers and comprising a plurality of
individually operable doors, each of the plurality of doors
corresponding to one of the plurality of internal chambers; a base
comprising a microprocessor and a base contact plate configured to
be electrically connected to a contact terminal of the cartridge
container; and a plurality of individually addressable actuators
disposed in at least one of the base and the cartridge container,
each of the plurality of actuators corresponding to one of the
plurality of doors; wherein the microprocessor is programmed or
configured to: receive at least one instruction from a server
computer; and transmit a command, based on the at least one
instruction, by communicating an electrical signal through the base
contact plate to the contact terminal to actuate one of the
plurality of actuators; and wherein actuating one of the plurality
of actuators causes the corresponding door to move from a closed
position to an opened position.
2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein one or more, or each
of, the plurality of actuators comprises one of: solenoid having an
extendable and retractable actuating rod configured to engage the
corresponding door; and an electromagnet configured to repel a door
magnet disposed in the corresponding door.
3. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the cartridge
container is removably attached to the base such that the cartridge
container is replaceable; and wherein the cartridge container is
refillable.
4. The storage container of claim 3, further comprising: a
short-range identification reader disposed in the base; and a
short-range identification chip disposed on the cartridge container
in operative alignment with the short-range identification reader;
wherein the short-range identification reader is programmed or
configured to detect the short-range identification chip on the
cartridge container when the cartridge is attached to the base.
5. The storage container of claim 4, wherein the short-range
identification reader comprises an RFID reader.
6. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the cartridge
container further comprises a plurality of door release latches
configured to engage the plurality of doors, each of the door
release latches corresponding to one of the plurality of doors and
one of the plurality of actuators, wherein actuating one of the
plurality of actuators causes the corresponding door release latch
to disengage from the corresponding door.
7. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the cartridge
container is one of a plurality of stackable cartridge containers
of the same or differing sizes; wherein the first of the stackable
cartridge containers comprises a cartridge contact plate
electrically connectable to a contact terminal of a second of the
stackable cartridge containers; wherein the base contact plate and
the cartridge contact plate each comprise one or more electrically
conductive contacts configured to interface and establish an
electrical circuit with corresponding electrically conductive
contacts on the interfacing contact terminal; and wherein each of
the plurality of stackable cartridge containers comprises a
subprocessor programmed or configured to receive the command from
the microprocessor.
8. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is
further programmed or configured to transmit identifying
information associated with the cartridge container to the server
computer.
9. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is
programmed or configured to transmit the command instantaneously
upon receiving the at least one instruction.
10. A system for remotely dispensing articles comprising: a storage
container comprising: a cartridge container defining a plurality of
internal chambers and comprising a plurality of individually
operable doors, each of the plurality of doors corresponding to one
of the plurality of internal chambers; and a base comprising a
microprocessor and a base contact plate configured to be
electrically connected to a contact terminal of the cartridge
container; a client device associated with a sending user and
programmed or configured to generate at least one instruction; and
a server computer in communication with the client device and the
storage container, the server computer programmed or configured to:
receive the at least one instruction from the client device; and
transmit a command to the microprocessor of the storage container
based on the at least one instruction; wherein the microprocessor
of the storage container is programmed or configured to communicate
an electrical signal through the base contact plate to the contact
terminal to actuate one or more actuators corresponding to one or
more of the individually operable doors based on the command
transmitted by the server computer, wherein actuating the actuator
causes the corresponding one of the individually operable doors to
open.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein one or more of the internal
chambers encloses an object comprising one of: a token, a gift, a
letter or note, money, and a gift card.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the server computer comprises a
database containing identifying information associated with the
cartridge container; and wherein the microprocessor is configured
to transmit updated identifying information associated with the
cartridge container to the server computer.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein the client device comprise a
mobile interface having a plurality of selectable options; and
wherein the at least one instruction is based on one of the
plurality of selectable options chosen by the sending user.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the client device is programmed
or configured to retrieve at least a portion of the identifying
information from the server computer; and wherein the mobile
interface of the client device is programmed or configured to
display the retrieved identifying information.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a merchant
transaction server, wherein the server computer is programmed or
configured to: generate a purchase order based on at least of the
selectable options of the mobile interface of the client device and
the identifying information of the cartridge container; and
transmit the purchase order to the merchant transaction server.
16. The system of claim 10, wherein the client device is programmed
or configured to obtain and store personal informatics and generate
the at least one instruction based at least partially on the
personal informatics.
17. The system of claim 10, wherein the server computer is
programmed or configured to transmit the command instantaneously
upon receiving the at least one instruction.
18. A computer-implemented method for remotely dispensing articles
from a cartridge container of a storage container, the method
comprising: storing, in a database of a server computer,
identifying information associated with the cartridge container;
receiving at least one instruction from a client device; generating
a command based on the at least one instruction; and transmitting
the command to a microprocessor of a base of the storage container,
the command configured to cause the microprocessor to communicate
an electrical signal through a base contact plate to a contact
terminal of the cartridge container, wherein transmitting the
command causes the microprocessor to actuate an actuator of the
storage container, and wherein actuating the actuator opens one of
a plurality of independently operable doors of the cartridge
container.
19. The computer-implemented method of claim 18, further
comprising: receiving updated identifying information from the
microprocessor; and transmitting the updated identifying
information to the client device.
20. The computer implemented method of claim 19, further
comprising: generating a purchase order for a replacement cartridge
container; and transmitting the purchase order to a merchant
transaction server.
21. The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein generating
the command is performed instantaneously upon receiving the at
least one instruction; and wherein transmitting the command is
performed instantaneously after generating the command.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to an Internet-connected storage
container, in a particular embodiment, to a storage container
having a plurality of independently operable doors. This invention
also relates to systems and computer-implemented methods for
dispensing articles on demand or at predisposed times.
Description of Related Art
Technology is constantly empowering new forms of human-to-human
connection. Mobile phones and short message service (SMS), for
example, have radically transformed when, where and how people are
able to communicate with each other. More recently, the rise of the
Internet of Things ("IOT") has begun to influence how people
interact with Internet-connected products. The IOT broadly refers
to the use of embedded intelligence, computing, and connectivity in
ordinary devices such as food packaging, furniture, and appliances.
While dedicated computing devices such as laptops, tablets and
smartphones are widely used for Internet-based communication, it is
theorized that the IOT will transform this current paradigm and
result in more and more everyday objects and common appliances
implemented with embedded connectivity and computing power.
The associated diversification of computing may increase the ways
in which embedded and mobile computing influence human
interactions. Many IOT devices are developed with an aim towards
technical functionality and utility. However, the IOT also creates
new opportunities to enrich interpersonal human connections. In
particular, interconnected IOT devices may facilitate
communication, empathy, and affection between geographically
separated people. While interpersonal connection is an area of
increasing interest for internet-enabled device experiences, the
existing art has focused on remote communication, whereby an
Internet-based device allows gestures to be transmitted through
connected objects. For example, the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology Media Lab's LumiTouch is a pair of interactive picture
frames. The frames are touch sensitive and when one user touches a
frame, the other frame illuminates as an indication that the other
person is thinking about them.
However, existing approaches to IOT interpersonal communication
have several limitations. First, they are entirely digital and may
lack the personalization, thoughtfulness or affection associated
with real physical gestures. Further, existing IOT devices fail to
accommodate the innate human desire to exchange material objects
such as tokens, gifts, or letters, or to receive rewards. This is
especially true where an impromptu, rather than predetermined,
exchange is desired.
In light of these limitations of the existing art, there exists a
need for an Internet-connected device which may facilitate the
impromptu exchange of material objects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a
storage container includes a base and a cartridge container
attachable to the base. The cartridge container defines a plurality
of internal chambers and includes a plurality of individually
operable doors, each of the plurality of doors corresponding to one
of the internal chambers. The storage container further includes a
plurality of individually addressable actuators disposed in at
least one of the base and the cartridge container, each of the
plurality of actuators corresponding to one of the doors. A
microprocessor is programmed or configured to receive at least one
instruction from a server computer, and transmit a command, based
on the at least one instruction, to actuate one of the plurality of
actuators. Actuating one of the plurality of actuators causes the
corresponding door to move from a closed position to an opened
position.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, one or more, or each,
of the plurality of actuators includes a solenoid having an
extendable and retractable actuating rod configured to engage the
corresponding door.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, one or more, or each,
of the plurality of actuators includes an electromagnet configured
to repel a door magnet disposed in the corresponding door.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the cartridge
container is removably attached to the base such that the cartridge
container is replaceable.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the storage container
further includes a short-range identification reader disposed in
the base, a short-range identification chip disposed on the
cartridge container in operative alignment with the short-range
identification reader. The short-range identification reader is
programmed or configured to detect the short-range identification
chip on the cartridge container when the cartridge is attached to
the base
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the cartridge
container further includes a plurality of door release latches
configured to engage the plurality of doors, each of the door
release latches corresponding to one of the plurality of doors and
one of the plurality of actuators. Actuating one of the plurality
of actuators causes the corresponding door release latch to
disengage from the corresponding door.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the cartridge
container is one of a plurality of stackable cartridge containers
of the same or differing size.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the base includes a
base contact plate electrically connectable to a contact terminal
of a first of the stackable cartridge containers. The first of the
stackable cartridge containers includes a cartridge contact plate
electrically connectable to a contact terminal of a second of the
stackable cartridge containers. The base contact plate and the
cartridge contact plate each include one or more electrically
conductive contacts configured to interface and establish an
electrical circuit with corresponding electrically conductive
contacts on the interfacing contact terminal.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, each of the plurality
of stackable cartridge containers includes a subprocessor
programmed or configured to receive the command from the
microprocessor.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the microprocessor is
further programmed or configured to transmit identifying
information associated with the cartridge container to the server
computer.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the cartridge
container is refillable.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the microprocessor is
programmed or configured to transmit the command instantaneously
upon receiving the at least one instruction.
Other aspects or embodiments of the present invention relate to a
system for remotely dispensing articles. In a non-limiting aspect
or embodiment, the system includes a storage container including a
plurality of individually operable doors and a microprocessor, a
client device associated with a sending user and programmed or
configured to generate at least one instruction, and a server
computer in communication with the client device and the storage
container. The server computer programmed or configured to receive
the at least one instruction from the client device and transmit a
command to the microprocessor of the storage container based on the
at least one instruction. The microprocessor of the storage
container is programmed or configured to actuate an actuator
corresponding to one of the individually operable doors based on
the command transmitted by the server computer, wherein actuating
the actuator causes the corresponding one of the individually
operable doors to open.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the storage container
includes a cartridge container and a base, the cartridge container
including the plurality of individually operable doors and the base
comprising the microprocessor.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the server computer
includes a database containing identifying information associated
with the cartridge container.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the client device
includes a mobile interface having a plurality of selectable
options, and the at least one instruction is based on one of the
plurality of selectable options chosen by the sending user.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the client device is
programmed or configured to retrieve at least a portion of the
identifying information from the server computer, and the mobile
interface of the client device is programmed or configured to
display the retrieved identifying information.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the microprocessor is
configured to transmit updated identifying information associated
with the cartridge container to the server computer.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the client device is
programmed or configured to obtain and store personal informatics
and generate the at least one instruction based at least partially
on the personal informatics.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the system further
includes a merchant transaction server. The server computer is
programmed or configured to generate a purchase order based on one
of the selectable options of the mobile interface of the client
device, and transmit the purchase order to the merchant transaction
server.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the system further
includes a merchant transaction server. The server computer is
programmed or configured to generate a purchase order based on the
identifying information of the cartridge container, and transmit
the purchase order to the merchant transaction server.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the server computer
is programmed or configured to transmit the command instantaneously
upon receiving the at least one instruction.
Other aspects or embodiments of the present invention relate to a
computer-implemented method for remotely dispensing articles from a
cartridge container. In a non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the
method includes storing, in a database of a server computer,
identifying information associated with the cartridge container;
receiving at least one instruction from a client device; generating
a command based on the at least one instruction; and transmitting
the command to a microprocessor of a storage container attached to
the cartridge container. Transmitting the command causes the
microprocessor to actuate an actuator of the storage container, and
wherein actuating the actuator opens one of a plurality of
independently operable doors of the cartridge container.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the method further
includes receiving updated identifying information from the
microprocessor and transmitting the updated identifying information
to the client device.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the method further
includes generating a purchase order for a replacement cartridge
container and transmitting the purchase order to a merchant
transaction server.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, generating the
purchase order is at least partially based on the updated
identifying information.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, generating the
command is performed instantaneously upon receiving the at least
one instruction, and transmitting the command is performed
instantaneously after generating the command.
Further aspects or embodiments are set forth in the following
numbered clauses:
Clause 1: A storage container comprising: a base and a cartridge
container attachable to the base, the cartridge container defining
a plurality of internal chambers and includes a plurality of
individually operable doors, each of the plurality of doors
corresponding to one of the internal chambers; a plurality of
individually addressable actuators disposed in at least one of the
base and the cartridge container, each of the plurality of
actuators corresponding to one of the doors; and a microprocessor
programmed or configured to receive at least one instruction from a
server computer, and transmit a command, based on the at least one
instruction, to actuate one of the plurality of actuators; wherein
actuating one of the plurality of actuators causes the
corresponding door to move from a closed position to an opened
position, and wherein, optionally, one or more of the internal
chambers encloses an object, such as: a token, a gift, a letter or
note, money, or a gift card.
Clause 2: The storage container of clause 1, wherein, one or more,
or each of the plurality of actuators comprises a solenoid having
an extendable and retractable actuating rod configured to engage
the corresponding door.
Clause 3: The storage container of clause 1, wherein each of the
plurality of actuators comprises an electromagnet configured to
repel a door magnet disposed in the corresponding door.
Clause 4: The storage container of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein
the cartridge container is removably attached to the base such that
the cartridge container is replaceable.
Clause 5: The storage container of any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein
the storage container further comprises: a short-range
identification reader disposed in the base; and a short-range
identification chip disposed on the cartridge container in
operative alignment with the short-range identification reader;
wherein the short-range identification reader is programmed or
configured to detect the short-range identification chip on the
cartridge container when the cartridge is attached to the base
Clause 6: The storage container of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein
the cartridge container further comprises a plurality of door
release latches configured to engage the plurality of doors, each
of the door release latches corresponding to one of the plurality
of doors and one of the plurality of actuators; and wherein
actuating one of the plurality of actuators causes the
corresponding door release latch to disengage from the
corresponding door.
Clause 7: The storage container of any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein
the cartridge container is one of a plurality of stackable
cartridge containers of the same or differing sizes.
Clause 8: The storage container of clause 7, wherein the base
comprises a base contact plate electrically connectable to a
contact terminal of a first of the stackable cartridge containers;
wherein the first of the stackable cartridge containers comprises a
cartridge contact plate electrically connectable to a contact
terminal of a second of the stackable cartridge containers; and
wherein the base contact plate and the cartridge contact plate each
comprise one or more electrically conductive contacts configured to
interface and establish an electrical circuit with corresponding
electrically conductive contacts on the interfacing contact
terminal.
Clause 9: The storage container of any of clauses 7 to 8, wherein
each of the plurality of stackable cartridge containers comprises a
subprocessor programmed or configured to receive the command from
the microprocessor.
Clause 10: The storage container of any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein
the microprocessor is further programmed or configured to transmit
identifying information associated with the cartridge container to
the server computer.
Clause 11: The storage container of any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein
the cartridge container is refillable.
Clause 12: The storage container of any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein
the microprocessor is programmed or configured to transmit the
command instantaneously upon receiving the at least one
instruction.
Clause 13: A system for remotely dispensing articles comprising: a
storage container comprising a plurality of individually operable
doors and a microprocessor; a client device associated with a
sending user and programmed or configured to generate at least one
instruction; and a server computer in communication with the client
device and the storage container, the server computer programmed or
configured to receive the at least one instruction from the client
device and transmit a command to the microprocessor of the storage
container based on the at least one instruction; wherein the
microprocessor of the storage container is programmed or configured
to actuate an actuator corresponding to one of the individually
operable doors based on the command transmitted by the server
computer, wherein actuating the actuator causes the corresponding
one of the individually operable doors to open.
Clause 14: The system of clause 13, wherein the storage container
comprises a cartridge container and a base, the cartridge container
comprising the plurality of individually operable doors and the
base comprising the microprocessor.
Clause 15: The system of clause 13 or 14, wherein the server
computer comprises a database containing identifying information
associated with the cartridge container.
Clause 16: The system of any of clauses 13-15, wherein the client
device comprises a mobile interface having a plurality of
selectable options, and the at least one instruction is based on
one of the plurality of selectable options chosen by the sending
user.
Clause 17: The system of any of clauses 13-16, wherein the client
device is programmed or configured to retrieve at least a portion
of the identifying information from the server computer, and the
mobile interface of the client device is programmed or configured
to display the retrieved identifying information.
Clause 18: The system of any of clauses 13-17, wherein the
microprocessor is configured to transmit updated identifying
information associated with the cartridge container to the server
computer.
Clause 19: The system any of clauses 13-15, wherein the client
device is programmed or configured to obtain and store personal
informatics and generate the at least one instruction based at
least partially on the personal informatics.
Clause 20: The system of any of clauses 13-18, further comprising a
merchant transaction server; wherein the server computer is
programmed or configured to generate a purchase order based on one
of the selectable options of the mobile interface of the client
device, and transmit the purchase order to the merchant transaction
server.
Clause 21: The system of any of clauses 13-18, further comprising a
merchant transaction server; wherein the server computer is
programmed or configured to generate a purchase order based on the
identifying information of the cartridge container, and transmit
the purchase order to the merchant transaction server.
Clause 22: The system of any of clauses 13-21, wherein the server
computer is programmed or configured to transmit the command
instantaneously upon receiving the at least one instruction.
Clause 23: A computer-implemented method for remotely dispensing
articles from a cartridge container, comprising: storing, in a
database of a server computer, identifying information associated
with the cartridge container; receiving at least one instruction
from a client device; generating a command based on the at least
one instruction; and transmitting the command to a microprocessor
of a storage container attached to the cartridge container; wherein
transmitting the command causes the microprocessor to actuate an
actuator of the storage container; and wherein actuating the
actuator opens one of a plurality of independently operable doors
of the cartridge container.
Clause 24: The computer-implemented method of clause 23, further
comprising: receiving updated identifying information from the
microprocessor; and transmitting the updated identifying
information to the client device.
Clause 25: The computer-implemented method of clause 23 or 24,
further comprising: generating a purchase order for a replacement
cartridge container; and transmitting the purchase order to a
merchant transaction server.
Clause 26: The computer-implemented method of clause 25, wherein
generating the purchase order is at least partially based on the
updated identifying information.
Clause 27: The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 23-26,
wherein generating the command is performed instantaneously upon
receiving the at least one instruction, and transmitting the
command is performed instantaneously after generating the
command.
These and other features and characteristics of the present
invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the
related elements of structures and the combination of parts and
economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following description and the appended claims
with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a
part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the
purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the
specification and the claims, the singular form of "a," "an," and
"the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional advantages and details of the invention are explained in
greater detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments
that are illustrated in the accompanying schematic figures, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage container according to a
non-limiting aspect or embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a cartridge container of the storage
container of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is cutaway view of the cartridge container of FIG. 2,
showing one of a plurality of door release latches;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a base of the storage container of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of the storage container of FIG. 1,
showing one of a plurality of solenoids;
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a storage container according to
another non-limiting aspect or embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the storage container of FIG. 6A,
showing one of a plurality of doors in the opened position;
FIG. 7 is an electrical layout schematic of the storage container
according to a non-limiting aspect or embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a storage container according to
another non-limiting aspect or embodiment of the present invention,
including two cartridge containers;
FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the storage container of FIG. 7,
with internal components removed for clarity;
FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of one of the cartridge
containers of the storage container of FIG. 8;
FIG. 9B is the cross sectional view of FIG. 9A with one of the
doors in an opened position;
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a storage container according to
another non-limiting aspect or embodiment of the present invention,
including three cartridge containers;
FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the storage container of FIG.
10A;
FIG. 11 is system schematic according to another non-limiting
aspect or embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 12A-12E are client device interfaces of the system of FIG.
11;
FIG. 13 is a method step sequence according to another non-limiting
aspect or embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14A is a is a cross sectional view of one of the cartridge
containers of the storage container of FIG. 8, according to another
non-limiting aspect or embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 14B is the cross sectional view of FIG. 14A with one of the
doors in an opened position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "end,"
"upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top,"
"bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," and derivatives thereof shall
relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures.
However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume
various alternative variations and step sequences, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply
exemplary embodiments or aspects of the invention. Hence, specific
dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the
embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as
limiting.
As used herein, the terms "communication" and "communicate" refer
to the receipt or transfer of one or more signals, messages,
commands, or other type of data. For one unit or component to be in
communication with another unit or component means that the one
unit or component is able to directly or indirectly receive data
from and/or transmit data to the other unit or component. This can
refer to a direct or indirect connection that may be wired and/or
wireless in nature. Additionally, two units or components may be in
communication with each other even though the data transmitted may
be modified, processed, and/or routed between the first and second
unit or component. For example, a first unit may be in
communication with a second unit even though the first unit
passively receives data and does not actively transmit data to the
second unit. As another example, a first unit may be in
communication with a second unit if an intermediary unit processes
data from one unit and transmits processed data to the second unit.
It will be appreciated that numerous other arrangements are
possible.
Non-limiting aspects or embodiments of the present invention are
directed to a storage container 1000 including a plurality of
individually operable doors 110, each of which corresponds to an
internal chamber 120 in which an article may be stored. Referring
now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage container 1000 generally includes
two major subassemblies, namely a cartridge container 100 and a
base 200. The cartridge container 100 includes the plurality of
individually operable doors 110 and corresponding internal chambers
120. The cartridge container 100 fits into or is otherwise
attachable to the base. In a non-limiting embodiment, the cartridge
container 100 is detachable from the base, such that the cartridge
container 100 may be replaced. This configuration allows multiple
cartridge containers 100 to be used with the same base. For
example, a user may remove the cartridge container 100 from the
base 200 once all of the articles have been removed from the
internal chambers 120, and place a new cartridge container 100,
filled with new articles, into the same base. In a non-limiting
aspect or embodiment (not shown) the cartridge container is
permanently attached to the base.
FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the components of the cartridge
container 100 of FIG. 1. In particular, the cartridge container 100
includes a main compartment structure 101 which fits inside an
outer housing 130. The main compartment structure 101 defines the
plurality of internal chambers 120 in which articles may be stored.
The plurality of doors 110 corresponding to the plurality of
internal chambers 120 are mounted to the main compartment via
hinges 103. A plurality of door springs 104 are disposed between
the doors 110 and the main compartment structure 101 to bias the
doors 110 towards an opened position. The bias of the door springs
104 is overcome by a plurality of door release latches 140, each
corresponding to one of the plurality of doors 110, which hold the
doors 110 in a closed position until a release event occurs. Each
of the plurality of door release latches 140 is pivotally mounted
in a corresponding cylindrical groove 131 of the outer housing 130,
with a torsion spring 108 disposed between the door release latch
140 and the outer housing 130.
Referring now to FIG. 3, each of the door release latches 140 is
pivotally mounted to the outer housing 130 via a hinge portion 141.
In the aspect or embodiment shown in FIG. 3, for example, the hinge
portion 141 includes a cylindrical protrusion snap fitted into a
cylindrical groove 131 of the outer housing 130. The torsion spring
108 (not shown) disposed between the outer housing 130 and the door
release latch 140 biases the door release latch 140 into engagement
with the corresponding door, such that a tab 142 on the door
release latch 140 interlocks with a corresponding tab 111 on the
door 110 to hold the door 110 in a closed position. Other suitable
means and arrangements for connecting the door release latches 140
to the cartridge container 100 and engaging the doors 110 may be
appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art.
FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the components of the base 200,
including a plurality of actuators 210 and a microprocessor 220 in
communication with the plurality of actuators 210. The
microprocessor 220 may be programmed or configured to send a
command associated with a release event to one or more of the
plurality of actuators 210. A foot 202 may be rotatably mounted to
the base 200 via a bearing 201 such that the base 200 and cartridge
container 100 may be swiveled or rotated by the user. Each of the
plurality of actuators 210 corresponds to one of the doors 110 of
the cartridge container 100, and is configured to engage a
corresponding door release latch 140 upon occurrence of a release
event. As shown in FIG. 5, in a non-limiting aspect or embodiment,
each of the actuators 210 may be a solenoid including an actuating
rod 211 configured to extend and retract upon receiving an
electrical signal from the microprocessor 220 when the release
event occurs. Extension of the actuating rod 211 engages the door
release latch, causing the door release latch 140 to pivot about
the hinge portion 141 and disengage the interlocking tabs (111,
142) between the door release latch 140 and the door 110. With the
door release latch 140 and the door 110 no longer interlocked, the
door spring 104 forces the door 110 into the opened position to
allow the article within the corresponding internal chamber 120 to
be retrieved by the user.
In other aspects or embodiments, each actuator 210 may include an
electromagnet in operable proximity to another magnet disposed in
the corresponding door 110. One such aspect or embodiment is
discussed hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 14A-14B. Other
suitable means and arrangements for disengaging the door release
latch 140 may be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the
art.
Each of the actuators 210 is independently addressable and/or
controllable by the microprocessor 220 such that a release event
may trigger the opening of a specific one of the plurality of doors
110. That is, the microprocessor 220 may be programmed or
configured to intelligently control the plurality of actuators 210.
Further, the microprocessor 220 may be configured to immediately
send the command to any one of the actuators 210. By, immediately
send, it is meant that the microprocessor 220 sends the command
without delay, not including a reasonable time allotment for the
microprocessor 220 to process the associated release event. In this
manner, the time and/or condition when each article may be
retrieved by the user can be precisely controlled by a remote user
or device, as is discussed hereinafter with reference to FIG.
11.
While FIGS. 1-5 illustrates the storage container 1000 as having a
generally cylindrical shape, it is to be understood that any
suitable shape may be used. Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B, a
non-limiting aspect or embodiment of the storage container 1000 is
generally rectangular-shaped and includes substantially the same
components as the storage container 1000 of FIGS. 1-5. Accordingly,
components that are not specifically discussed in reference to
FIGS. 6A-6B may be understood as being similar or identical to like
components of FIGS. 1-5. FIG. 6A shows the storage container 1000
with the plurality of doors 110 closed, and FIG. 6B shows the
storage container 1000 with one of the plurality of doors 110 open.
In this aspect or embodiment, the plurality of doors 110 are
arranged on a front face of the cartridge container 100 and open
forward, as opposed to the upwardly opening doors 110 of the aspect
or embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5.
Referring now to FIG. 7, an electrical layout schematic of a
non-limiting aspect or embodiment of the storage container 1000 is
shown. In addition to the components already described in reference
to FIGS. 1-6B, the base 200 may further include a short-range
identification reader in communication with the microprocessor 220
and programmed or configured to scan a short-range identification
chip in the cartridge container 100. In the non-limiting aspect or
embodiment depicted in the drawings, the short range identification
reader may be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader 203
programmed or configured to scan an RFID chip 105 in the cartridge
container 100. The RFID chip 105 contains a tag associated with
computer-readable identifying information 300 associated with the
cartridge container 100. For example, the identifying information
300 may include a description of the article stored in each of the
internal chambers 120 (shown in FIG. 2) of the cartridge container
100, and which doors 110 of the cartridge have already been opened.
The identifying information 300 may further include operating
status of the cartridge container 100 to indicate whether the
cartridge container 100 is attached to the storage container 1000.
The identifying information 300 may be stored remotely, for example
in a database 400 on a server computer 500. To retrieve the
identifying information 300 associated with the cartridge
container, microprocessor 220 instructs the RFID reader 203 to scan
the RFID chip 105. Once the RFID reader 203 detects the tag of the
RFID chip 105, the microprocessor 220 communicates the tag to the
server computer 500 via an Internet- or cloud-based connection. The
server computer 500 references the tag against the identifying
information 300 in a database 400 and transmits back to the
microprocessor 220 the identifying information 300 associated with
the tag. The microprocessor 220 may be further configured to
transmit updated identifying information 300 to the database 400 of
the server computer 500. For example, the microprocessor 220 may
transmit updated identifying information 300 when one of the
plurality of doors 110 is opened, when the cartridge container 100
is attached or detached from the base, and/or when the storage
container 1000 is powered on and available for remote
communication.
With continued reference to FIG. 7, the storage container may
further include sensory alerts which are activated during the
release event to attract the attention of the user. For example,
the storage container 1000 may include a speaker 205 disposed in at
least one of the base 200 and the cartridge container 100. The
speaker 205 may be configured to emit a sound alerting the user
that the release event has occurred or is imminent. The speaker 205
may be actuated via an electrical signal transmitted by the
microprocessor 220. Similarly, at least one of the base 200 and the
cartridge container 100 may include one or more lights 206
configured to illuminate via an electrical signal transmitted by
the microprocessor 220. The sensory alerts, including the speaker
205 and/or the lights 206, may also be actuated by the
microprocessor 220 to indicate a problem condition with the storage
container 1000. For example, the microprocessor may be programmed
of configured to actuate the speaker 205 and/or the lights 206 if
the cartridge container 100 is incorrectly loaded or not properly
attached to the base 200. Other sensory alerts configured to
attract the attention of the user to a release event or problem
condition may be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the
art.
In a further aspect or embodiment of the storage container as shown
in FIGS. 8A-8B, the cartridge container 100 may be configured for
stacking with other cartridge containers 100 on the same base. In
this aspect or embodiment, a plurality of actuators 210 are
disposed in each cartridge container 100 and are configured to
engage and actuate the plurality of doors 110 of that cartridge
container 100. This is in contrast to the aspect or embodiment of
FIGS. 1-5, in which the plurality of actuators 210 are disposed in
the base. To facilitate communication between the microprocessor
220 and the plurality of actuators 210, the base 200 includes a
base contact plate 204 configured to engage and communicate with a
corresponding contact terminal 106 on the cartridge container 100,
such that an electrical circuit 150 between the microprocessor 220
and the cartridge container 100 is established. Each of the stacked
cartridge containers 100 further includes a cartridge contact plate
107 configured to engage and communicate with the contact terminal
106 of an adjacent cartridge container 100. In particular, the base
contact plate 204 and cartridge contact plate 107 include
electrically conductive contacts configured to interface with
corresponding electrically conductive contacts on the contact
terminals 106. The electrically conductive contacts may include a
ground contact, a power contact, and one or more auxiliary contacts
for transmitting electrical signals between the base 200 and the
plurality of stacked cartridge containers 100. In this manner, one
or more electrical circuits 150 may be established between all of
the stacked cartridge container 100 and the base.
FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate the internal arrangement of the cartridge
container 100 of FIGS. 8A-8B. In the depicted non-limiting aspect
or embodiment, each actuator 210 is a solenoid disposed in the
cartridge container 100 and configured to displace the door tab 111
holding the corresponding door 110 in the closed position. When the
actuator 210 receives a command from the microprocessor 220, the
actuating rod 211 engages the corresponding door tab 111 to
disengage the door tab 111 from the cartridge container 100. The
door spring 104 then biases the corresponding door 110 toward the
opened position.
Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14B, in another non-limiting aspect or
embodiment, each actuator 210 is an electromagnet 212 in operable
proximity to a door magnet 112, such as a rare earth magnet,
disposed in the door tab 111 of the corresponding door. When the
actuator 210 receives a command from the microprocessor 220, the
electromagnet 212 is activated and repels the door magnet 112,
causing the door tab 111 to disengage from the cartridge container
100. The door spring 104 then biases the corresponding door 110
toward the opened position.
With continued reference to FIGS. 9A-9B and 14A-14B, each cartridge
container 100 may further include a subprocessor 151 disposed in
the electrical circuit 150 between the contact terminal 106 and the
plurality of actuators 210. The subprocessor 151 of each cartridge
container 100 may be configured to receive a command from the
microprocessor 220 and to determine whether that command requires
any of the actuators 210 in that cartridge container 100 to be
actuated. If one of the actuators 210 in that cartridge containers
100 is to be actuated, the subprocessor 151 will direct an
electrical signal to the proper actuator 210. If none of the
actuators 210 in that cartridge containers 100 are to be actuated,
the subprocessor 151 may serve as a pass through device, allowing
the command from the microprocessor 220 to continue through the
electrical circuit 150 to the cartridge contact plate 107 and,
ultimately, to an adjacent cartridge container 100. Thus, the
microprocessor 220 in the base 200 is able to communicate with any
one of the stacked cartridge containers 100 whether or not that
cartridge container 100 is in direct physical contact with the
base. For example, the microprocessor 220 may communicate with a
second of the stacked cartridge containers 100 using the
subprocessor 151 of a first of the cartridge containers 100 as a
pass through device. In this manner, an expandable array of
individually operable cartridge containers 100 may be constructed
according to the specific needs of a given application. Each
cartridge container 100 in the expandable array need not be the
same size, shape, or contain the same number of internal chambers
120.
FIGS. 10A-10B illustrates a further aspect or embodiment in which
the cartridge containers 100 are configured for horizontal stacking
as well as vertical stacking. To facilitate horizontal stacking,
each cartridge container 100 alternatively or additionally includes
a cartridge contact plate 107 and/or a contact terminal 106 on a
side surface (not shown for clarity). One skilled in the art may
further envision additional or alternative connection and stacking
arrangements by locating the cartridge contact plate 107 and/or a
contact terminal 106 on other surfaces of the cartridge container
100. Additionally, the storage container 1000 may be configured to
have the plurality of doors 110 distributed across multiple faces
of the cartridge container 100. As may be appreciated by one having
ordinary skill in the art, the storage container 1000 and the
cartridge container 100 may be configured in any suitable and/or
desirable size and shape.
Other non-limiting aspects or embodiments of the present invention
relate to a system for dispensing articles. FIG. 11 illustrates a
schematic diagram of a system 1100 which generally includes a
storage container 1000 having a plurality of individually operable
doors 110 controlled by a microprocessor 220. The storage container
1000 is associated with a receiving user and may be substantially
similar to any of the aspects or embodiment described herein with
reference to FIGS. 1-10 and variations thereof. In particular, the
storage device may include a detachable and replaceable cartridge
container 100. The system 1100 further includes a client device 600
and at least one server computer 500. The storage container 1000,
client device, and server computer 500 may communicate via a wired
or wireless Internet connection and/or a cloud-based network 800.
The client device 600 may be configured to communicate with the
microprocessor 220 of the storage container 1000 and with the
server computer 500. The client device 600 may be further
configured to generate at least one instruction and transmit the at
least one instruction to the server computer 500. Based on the at
least one instruction, the server computer 500 transmits a command
to the microprocessor 220 of the storage container 1000. The
command transmitted by the server computer 500 triggers a release
event which causes the microprocessor 220 to open one of the
plurality of doors 110 of the storage container 1000 via actuation
of an actuator 210 corresponding to that door 110.
The server computer 500 may be configured to immediately transmit
the command to the microprocessor 220 upon receiving the at least
one instruction from the client device 600. By, immediately
transmit, it is meant that the server computer 500 transmits the
command without delay, not including a reasonable time allotment
for the at least one instruction to be communicated to the server
computer 500 and for the server computer 500 to process the at last
one instruction. Similarly, the microprocessor 220 may be
configured to immediately open one of the plurality of doors 110
based on the command from the server computer 500. In this manner,
the doors 110 may be controlled with precise and on-demand timing
from the client device 600.
The client device 600 may be any suitable device which provides an
Internet-based interface for communication with the server computer
500. In particular, the client device 600 may be a personal
computer or smart phone configured to receive an input from a
sending user and/or a receiving user. The client device 600 is
configured to then generate the at least one instruction for
transmission to the server computer 500 based on the user input. In
the aspect or embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A-12E, the client device
600 is a smart phone controlled by the sending user. However,
another aspect or embodiment in which the client device 600 is a
personal computer would include substantially the same elements and
functionality described hereafter. The client device 600 includes a
mobile interface 601 having one or more selectable options 602
which allow the sending user to choose the at least one instruction
to be transmitted to the server computer 500, and, ultimately, the
command transmitted to the microprocessor 220 of the storage
container 1000. In this manner, the sending user may control the
receiving user's access to the articles contained in the storage
container 1000 by initiating the release event through the client
device 600.
FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate sequential screens of the mobile interface
601 corresponding to steps taken by the sending user. As shown in
FIG. 12A, one of the selectable options 602 of the mobile interface
601 may be "Give Gift". Selection of this option opens another
screen prompting the sending user to choose from another list of
selectable options 602 corresponding to the articles stored in each
internal chamber 120 of the storage container 1000, as shown in
FIG. 12B. Selection of one of these options, for example "Socks"
opens another screen prompting the sending user to confirm the
selection, as shown in FIG. 12C. As shown in FIG. 12D, confirmation
of the selection opens a dialogue screen informing the sending user
that an instruction has been generated to open the door 110 of the
storage container 1000 corresponding to the internal chamber 120 in
which the selected article is stored. Finally, as shown in FIG.
12E, the mobile interface 601 displays a screen showing that the
selected article--in this case "Socks"--were released. The system
1100 can thus be used as a means for the sending user to remotely
select and give gifts, rewards, or tokens to the receiving user on
demand. The selectable options 602 described above are merely
exemplary and not exhaustive of the selectable options 602 that may
be provided. For example, a further selectable option 602 may allow
the sending user to label the contents of the corresponding
internal chamber 120 when different articles are loaded in to the
cartridge container 100.
With continued reference to FIGS. 12A-12E, the mobile interface 601
may be configured to provide the sending user with a variety of
options for generating the at least one instruction. For example,
in FIG. 12A, an alternative selectable option 602 to "Give Gift" is
"Schedule Gift". Choosing the "Schedule Gift" selectable option 602
prompts the sending user to select an article to release similar to
the "Give Gift" selectable option 602, but the sending user must
further input date and/or time information indicating when the
selected article should be released. The date and/or time
information is then communicated by the client device 600 to the
server computer 500, where the date and/or time information is
stored in a schedule in the database 400. The server computer 500
is programmed or configured to transmit a command to the
microprocessor 220 of the storage container 1000 at the scheduled
date and/or time, causing the selected article to be released.
Thus, the "Schedule Gift" selectable option 602 facilitates opening
one or more of the plurality of doors 110 at a predetermined future
date and time, rather than immediately opening the door 110 as with
the "Give Gift" selectable option.
The mobile interface 601 may further display identifying
information 300 associated with the cartridge container 100. For
example, the mobile interface 601 may display a name or
identification number associated with the cartridge container 100,
the contents of each internal chamber 120, and whether each door
110 has been previously opened. The identifying information 300 is
retrievable by the client device 600 from a database 400 stored on
the server computer 500.
The client device 600 is not limited to devices directly controlled
by the user. In another aspect or embodiment, the client device 600
may be an IOT device capable of providing personal informatics,
such as a fitness tracking device or an Internet-connected weighing
scale. In such an aspect or embodiment, the server computer 500 may
be programmed or configured to detect when the receiving user has
completed a predetermined task as indicated via the client device
600, and to automatically generate the at least one instruction
based on the completion of that task. In another aspect or
embodiment, the client device 600 may be configured to generate the
at least one instruction based on a calculation or manipulation of
data provided by the user. For example, the receiving user may
enter personal informatics, such as caloric intake information,
into the client device, and the client device 600 may generate the
at least one instruction based on whether or not a predetermined
goal or threshold has been achieved. Alternatively, entry of the
personal informatics could be delegated to one or more third
parties or escrows including but not limited to dieticians,
clinicians, or personal trainers. Still further, the enterer of the
personal informatics may use quantified measurements from client
device 600 in combination with information or data obtained from
other sources to validate the achievement of a goal or threshold.
Thus, validation of a goal or threshold may include an aggregating
data from a plurality of human and non-human sources. In this
manner, the system 1100 may be used to provide rewards to the
receiving user to incentivize positive habits and behavior.
As discussed above, the server computer 500 may be configured to
store a database 400 containing identifying information 300
associated with the cartridge container 100. More particularly, the
server computer 500 may be configured to store identifying
information 300 associated with a plurality of cartridge containers
100, such that the system 1100 may include any number of cartridge
containers 100 but only a single server computer 500. As discussed
above, the identifying information 300 for each cartridge container
100 includes a name or identification number associated with the
cartridge container 100, the contents of each internal chamber 120,
and whether each door 110 of the cartridge has been previously
opened. The identifying information 300 may further include
operating status of the cartridge container 100 to indicate whether
the cartridge container 100 is attached to the storage container
1000. Utilizing the operating status of the cartridge container
100, the server computer 500 may be configured to prohibit the
client device 600 from transmitting instructions for the cartridge
container 100 if the cartridge container 100 is not attached to the
storage container 1000.
The identifying information 300 may further include user
authorization data for the sending user and/or the receiving user.
The user authorization data for each cartridge container 100 is
associated with one or more client devices 600 and one or more
storage containers 1000. Utilizing the user authorization data, the
server computer 500 may be configured to only transmit a command to
the storage container 1000 if the user authorization data of the
cartridge container 100 matches both the storage container 1000 and
the client device 600. In this manner, only authorized users may
control and/or access a specific cartridge container 100. The user
authorization data need not be a one-to-one-to-one association
between the client device, cartridge container 100, and storage
container 1000. For example, one client device 600 may be
authorized to transmit instructions for multiple cartridge
containers 100 and/or storage containers 1000. Similarly, one
storage container 1000 may be authorized to receive commands
originating from multiple client devices 600. In another
configuration, one client device 600 may be authorized to transmit
instructions for one storage container 1000, but only when one or
more specific cartridge containers 100 are attached to that storage
container 1000. It is to be understood that other authorization
schemes may be envisioned and appreciated by one having ordinary
skill in the art.
The database 400 containing identifying information 300 may be
preprogrammed into the server computer 500 by the sending user
and/or the receiving user via the client device 600. Alternatively,
the identifying information 300 associated with the cartridge
containers 100 which are pre-loaded by a merchant may be
preprogrammed into the server by the merchant. The identifying
information 300 for each cartridge container 100 is associated with
a tag, which may be, for example, embedded in an RFID chip 105 on
the cartridge container 100. The microprocessor 220 of the storage
container 1000 may be configured to scan the tag, via an RFID
reader 203, and to communicate that tag to the server computer 500.
The server computer 500 may then access the identifying information
300 associated with the in-use cartridge container 100 based on the
tag scanned by the RFID reader 203. The server computer 500 may
then transmit the identifying information 300 of the in-use
cartridge container 100 to the client device 600.
The identifying information 300 may be continually updated in the
server computer 500 via the microprocessor 220 of the storage
container 1000, the client device 600, or the receiving user. Each
time the cartridge container 100 is attached to or detached from
the storage container 1000, as detected by the RFID reader 203, the
microprocessor 220 may be configured to retrieve information 300
about the cartridge container 100 and/or update the operating
status of the cartridge container 100. Each time one of the
actuators 210 of the storage container 1000 is actuated to open a
corresponding door 110 of the cartridge container 100, the
microprocessor 220 may transmit a signal to the server computer
indicating which door 110 had been opened. The server computer 500
may then update the identifying information 300 in the database 400
to indicate the door 110 has been opened. After the identifying
information 300 has been updated by the microprocessor 220, the
client device 600 may then retrieve the updated identifying
information 300 from the server computer 500.
The system 1100 may further include a merchant transaction server
700 in communication with the client device 600 and/or the server
computer 500. The merchant transaction server 700 is associated
with the merchant of pre-loaded cartridge containers 100, and may
include an Internet-based inventory database 400 retrievable by the
client device 600 and/or the server computer 500. The mobile
interface 601 of the client device 600 may include a selectable
option 602 for allowing the sending user to browse and purchase
new, pre-loaded cartridge containers 100 from the merchant via a
web-based or cloud-based store. The pre-loaded cartridge containers
100 may contain a merchant-selected plurality of articles, or the
sending user may be given the option to customize the contents of
the pre-loaded cartridge container 100, for example through a third
party retailer. Once one or more pre-loaded cartridge containers
100 have been selected or customized, the client device 600 may be
configured to transmit a purchase order to the merchant transaction
server 700 via the mobile interface 601. Alternatively, the client
device 600 or the server computer 500 may be configured to
automatically transmit a purchase request to the merchant
transaction server 700 when all of the doors 110 of the cartridge
container 100 have been opened. The client device 600 and/or the
server computer 500 may be programmed or configured to send the
purchased pre-loaded cartridge container 100 directly to the
receiving user for attachment to the storage container 1000. In a
further non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the receiving user may
return an empty, or spent, cartridge container 100 to a merchant.
The merchant may then recycle the spent cartridge container 100 by
refilling it with new articles pursuant to a purchase order
transmitted to the merchant transaction server 700, as described
above. The merchant may also wipe the identifying information 300
from the spent cartridge container 100 and program new identifying
information 300 into the cartridge container if the cartridge
container 100 is refilled with different articles than it
originally contained. The authorization data may be either wiped or
maintained, depending on whether the refilled cartridge container
100 is to be sent to the same user or a new user. Wiping the
authorization data protects the security of the new user, as the
original user would no longer be authorized to access the cartridge
container 100.
In other non-limiting aspects or embodiments, the sending user may
be able to refill the cartridge container 100, replace the
identifying information 300, and wipe the authorization data using,
for example, the client device 600. In this manner, the sending
user may provide a refilled cartridge container to the same or a
new receiving user without a merchant acting as an
intermediary.
Other non-limiting aspects or embodiments of the present invention
relate to a computer-implemented method for dispensing articles
from a storage container 1000, as shown in the sequence step
diagram 1300 of FIG. 13. Components and sequence steps not
specifically discussed in reference to FIG. 13 hereafter are
understood to be substantially similar to the same components or
sequence steps discussed in connection with the system 1100 of
FIGS. 11-12E. At step 1301, a database 400 containing identifying
information 300 associated with a cartridge container 100 is stored
in a server computer 500. The identifying information 300 may be
substantially similar to any of the aspects or embodiments
described in reference to FIGS. 11-12E. At step 1302, at least one
instruction is received from a client device 600. The client device
600 may be substantially the same as any aspect or embodiment of
the client device 600 discussed in reference to FIGS. 11-12E. The
at least one instruction may be generated by the user via a user
interface of the client device, substantially similar to the mobile
interface 601 discussed in reference to FIGS. 11-12E.
Alternatively, the client device 600 may automatically generate the
at least one instruction based on a predetermined condition being
met. At step 1303, a command is generated by a server computer 500
based on the at least one instruction. At step 1304, the command is
transmitted from the server computer 500 to a microprocessor 220 of
a storage container 1000. The storage container 1000 includes the
cartridge container 100, and may be substantially similar to any of
the aspects or embodiment described herein with reference to FIGS.
1-10 and variations thereof. In particular, the cartridge container
100 may be detachable and replaceable and may include a plurality
of independently operable doors 110. The command transmitted from
the server computer 500 may cause the microprocessor 220 of the
storage container 1000 to transmit an electrical signal to an
actuator 210 configured to open one of the plurality of doors 110
of the cartridge container 100.
In a non-limiting aspect or embodiment, the method may further
include receiving, from the microprocessor 220 of the storage
container 1000, updated identifying information 300, as shown in
step 1305. At step 1306, the updated identifying information 300 is
transmitted to the client device 600. The method may further
include generating a purchase order for a pre-loaded replacement
cartridge container 100 based on at least one of the updated
identifying information 300 and a communication from the client
device, as shown at step 1307. For example, the purchase order may
be generated based on the updated identifying information 300
indicating that all of the plurality of doors 110 of the cartridge
container 100 have been opened. Alternatively or additionally, the
purchase order may be generated based on a user manually requesting
a replacement cartridge from the interface of the client device
600. At step 1308, the purchase order is transmitted to a merchant
transaction server 700. The pre-loaded cartridge container 100 may
be sent directly to the receiving user for attachment to the
storage container 1000.
In another non-limiting aspect or embodiment, step 1303, generating
the command by the server computer 500 based on the at least one
instruction, may be immediately performed upon receiving the at
least one instruction from the client device 600 in step 1302. By,
immediately performed, it is meant that step 1303 occurs without
delay, not including a reasonable time allotment for the at least
one instruction to be communicated to the server computer 500 and
for the server computer 500 to process the at least one
instruction. Similarly, step 1304, transmitting the command from
the server computer 500 to the microprocessor 220 of a storage
container 1000, may be immediately performed after the command is
generated by the server computer 500 in step 1303. In this manner,
the method may be used to dispense articles on demand via the
client device 600.
Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose
of illustration based on certain aspects or embodiments, it is to
be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that
the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on
the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent
arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present
invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more
features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more
features of any other embodiment.
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